It’s a police officer’s take on background issues and considerations for those thinking about working in law enforcement as police officers. Check it out below.

Police officer careers include those in municipalities, as wells as county Sheriff’s Deputy, State Patrol, FBI, DEA, Secret Service and Diplomatic Security Special Agent, to name a few. Make sure to check out more law enforcement careers.

Hi Radek,

I’ve been a police officer for about 8 years and am a hostage negotiator for my department. I also am getting an MA in sociology from California State University, Northridge. I received my masters in public administration right before I became a cop, and decided it was time for some more schooling. My ultimate goal is to get a PhD and teach (with the MA, i can do that as well..) so we’ll see how far it goes.

I think your site is great and FULL of very useful ideas, articles, etc.

I get approached all the time by young men (and women) about becoming a police officer. All of them seem to have issues in their background and have questions such as, “I got a DUI…can I still become a cop? or, “I did Ecstasy….can I still become a cop?“

My answer to them seems to shock them and that is this: While issues in your background are a case-by-case basis, the process of getting into LE is COMPETITIVE!!!!!

Everyone seems to think that if they meet the minimum requirement, then they are guaranteed a job and this is simply not true. My agency filters about 500 apps for every one body that eventually makes it through the entire process. Some agencies are a little less and some are a lot more. Santa Monica PD filters 1500!! The point is, such as in the private sector, LE jobs are extremely competitive and a person’s background plays into that. So, while Ecstasy is an automatic disqualify at my agency, I tell the DUI people that while it might not be an automatic DQ, you’re going to be competing with hundreds of applicants that don’t have a DUI.

That’s all……just wanted to share my thoughts. Most people trying to get into the LE game today seem to forget that its as competitive as ever and their background issues are going to play into that.

Keep up the GREAT work!

Although there are many comments throughout the website from seasoned law enforcement professionals covering many of these issues individually, I am particularly thankful that someone — who’s in the trenches every day — has summarized background investigation issues and how they relate to hiring of police officers.

If you liked this blog post, make sure to check out how your credit plays a role in hiring for police officer positions.

The hiring process is not “easy peasy lemon squeezy,” especially when it comes to the background investigation. It’s a very competitive process that digs deep into your life; your background, current affairs, finances, relationships and more.

If you work in the criminal justice system, directly or indirectly, and you would like to share your “2 cents,” please write. Thousands of people are eager to learn about the inner workings of different agencies and organizations.

There’s no shortage of top criminal justice schools in Florida. The Sunshine State delivers some of the best colleges and universities in the Nation.

best criminal justice schools in Florida

• Florida State University
• University of Central Florida
• University of Florida
• University of South Florida

Florida State University and University of Florida were rated highly on usnews.com – US News & World Report in the Criminal Justice/Criminology category. UCF and USF were on that list of best criminology schools also.

Since I don’t live in Florida, I spoke with some of my contacts to help me compile this list. I gathered from the conversations that Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University and Saint Leo University are also worth checking out.

The abovementioned top criminal justice colleges in FL are very well regarded in academia and the work force.

Share your opinion about the top criminal justice schools in Florida. If you want to see how I picked these top schools please go back to Best Criminal Justice Colleges page.

Q: Tracy from Illinois writes: I have a poor credit rating and I want to become a police officer or a federal agent. Do you think I can get a police officer job with bad credit?

A: Probably…

John and Tracy are two long-time CJOB readers who comment or email me with questions about how credit (good or bad) affects their chances of obtaining jobs in law enforcement.

I’ll try to answer this collective question and these, too:

• Why does my credit play a role in being able to obtain a career in law enforcement / as a police officer?
• What if I have bad credit… should I completely forget about becoming a police officer / Sheriff’s deputy / federal agent?
• Is bad credit an automatic disqualifier in obtaining law enforcement jobs?

Why Do I Need Good Credit to Work in Law Enforcement?

If you want to be a police officer, a Sheriff’s deputy, an FBI Special Agent or generally want to work in law enforcement, then good credit is better than bad credit.

Sounds simple, and you’re probably saying : duh!

However, there are many who embark on the path to a police officer career and are suddenly sideswiped during the application process by their credit. With the recent economical turmoil, many people were unable to pay their bills. It was either food, shelter, or the credit card bill for many folks.

Your credit is used to get the job in many government agencies, especially those that are law enforcement related. These can range from local governments all the way to the federal level, like those of:

• Special Agents: FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service and Diplomatic Security
• Customs and Border Protection Officers and Border Patrol Agents
• State Troopers and Highway Patrol
• Detectives and Investigators
• Deputy US Marshals
• Sheriff’s Deputies
• Police Officers

Love it or hate it, your credit is used to determine:

1. Reliability — are you responsible and dependable? Can you be counted on?
2. Trustworthiness — does your financial situation possibly make you susceptible to theft or taking bribes?
3. Risk — how risky is it to hire you with bad credit? What’s the risk level to the police department and the general public?

Side note: Did you know that credit reports are heavily scrutinized when trying to obtain a security clearance through the federal government and the military?

Want to work for the federal government?

Q: If I have a poor credit history or other issues in my background, will this prevent me from getting a security clearance?

A: Poor credit history, or other issues, will not necessarily disqualify a candidate from receiving a clearance, but resolution of the issues will likely take additional time. If the issues are significant, they may prevent a clearance from being approved.

– https://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/law-enforcement/clearance

Essentially, when you’re done reading between the lines, you’ll find that obtaining a security clearance can be difficult if you have bad credit. Chances are, federal law enforcement will have to wait…

So, How Can I Get a Police Job if I Have Bad Credit?

It’s gonna be tough in certain jurisdictions and easier in others.

Not all police agencies are credit sticklers, especially those dealing in local and regional agencies.

Yes, credit is an important factor in determining if you’re going to be a safe bet, but it’s also one of many important factors that form a final determination.

If You Have Bad Credit, You Should Still Try and Apply

And try you should, especially if you are taking corrective steps to fix your credit.

I’ve asked around and for the most part the general consensus is that:

• Each applicant’s credit situation is reviewed on a case by case basis
• Applicant’s circumstances are taken into consideration
• Bad credit doesn’t always constitute an automatic disqualification*

* Certain law enforcement agencies have, what you would call, “automatic disqualification” for bad credit. It seems this is becoming less prevalent due to the recent financial hit United States took as a whole. Many well-meaning people fell on hard times. Unable to pay their bills on time, many have blemished their credit and some ruined it entirely.

Q: Will my bad credit score hurt my chances of becoming an officer?

A: It is to be determined on a case-by-case basis, and the economic downturn is taken into consideration. Your financial status is considered from a risk-management perspective. Making responsible fiscal choices and living within your means are examples of maturity and discipline, which may make you less susceptible to impropriety on the job.

– http://www.joinlapd.com/faq.html

The type of debt, especially how you handled it, matters — it’s not the credit score that is the end-all be-all — it’s what’s inside the credit report that counts.

Did you recklessly take out 7 credit cards and 2 loans and stopped paying down on them just a few months later? That’s probably going to look pretty bad.

Essentially, you will need to explain how you got into the financial hole and how you plan on getting out of it. Don’t be afraid of it! Embrace your status-quo and seize the day. Apply for the job anyway!

Q: Have you ever heard the expression “dirty cop” while watching a movie?

A: I’m sure you have. Police departments and LE agencies want to avoid the drama, negative press, and expensive law suits associated with “dirty cops”. A thorough background check, along with a review of your credit report, helps to statistically lower the odds of having “a bad apple” on the force.

Even if your credit is stellar, a high debt to income ratio can raise some flags, too. This is considered a risk because one may become prone to bribery, theft, evidence tampering, and misuse of departmental resources, amongst other things.

How long does my bad credit stay bad?

• It may take up to 7 years for your bad debts to be cleared from your credit record
• It may take up to 7 years for a judgement to be cleared from your credit report
• It may take up to 10 years for bankruptcies to clear your credit report

It all varies, and the above-mentioned figures don’t necessarily reflect every situation. Some negative entries on your credit report are cleared prior to the 7 year mark, some may stay longer due to credit bureau’s error — you gotta let them know to clear the negative entry after the max term expires. You would do so by filing a dispute with the credit bureau (most often, you can file a dispute when you obtain a copy of your credit report online).

Also, try writing to your creditor and ask them to remove the negative entry from your credit report. Explain the circumstances and list the steps you’re taking to fix the problem. Who knows, it might just work!

Where Can I Get My Credit Report?

Start for FREE!

Once every 12 months, the three leading credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — are to provide you with a free copy of your credit report based on the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

AnnualCreditReport.com is the website to go to in order to get that free copy of your credit report.

I use this free credit report service to check on my credit every 3 months. So, for example, I use Experian first, then TransUnion, and lastly, Equifax (use one every 3 months). Keep in mind that this Annual Credit Report doesn’t provide a credit score. It provides a valuable credit report that you can monitor for any changes and inconsistencies.

Also, your bank or credit card company may offer a free credit report (sometimes coupled with a free credit score) just for holding an account with them. Worth using in conjunction with the free option mentioned above.

PAID credit report options

I personally don’t need more than the free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com to see if my credit is in good standing, but here are more options to ease your mind.

These options either get you a credit report with a credit score, or you can opt for a month-to-month credit monitoring service through TransUnion, Experian or Equifax… or get the scoop on your credit situation from all three credit bureaus, if you wish…

Option #1 – Get your credit report with a credit score

• Obtain a free copy of your credit report via AnnualCreditReport.com. Then, pay for the credit score which is offered as an option during the sign up process. This will set you back about $5-$9, per credit report (one time charge).
• Obtain a paid copy of your credit report and score directly from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. This will be more: around $15-$20 (one time charge).
• Obtain a paid copy of your credit report and score from each credit bureau — all in one place. You can use any of the three credit bureaus to access the 3 credit bureau credit report and score. Price is around $35-$40 a pop.

Option #2 – Get a credit monitoring service

• You’ll usually get a credit report and your credit score from the credit bureau every month. Most commonly, the included features are daily credit monitoring and dispute resolution support. Additional features may include monitoring of the other two credit bureaus, but it might not be as comprehensive. This can be useful when you need to keep an eye on your credit over a course of a few months or more. Prices vary. But, you should be able to get the service for under $20 per month.

Do you work for a law enforcement agency? How does your agency handle good and bad credit reports?

I’m going to keep it short and sweet. OK, I’m not…

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Attend Law School Online

1. Accreditation and academic standards

As of right now, no online law school has the backing of the American Bar Association (ABA). This accreditation is crucial if you want to take the Bar Exam. Yes, those who graduate from an online school like Concord Law School or Abraham Lincoln University School of Law will be able to take only the California Bar Exam. From a geographical standpoint, that heavily limits where you can seek work.

It’s no secret. Most reputable academic institutions, accreditation bodies and employers already question the academic standards of full-fledged online schools.

2. Interaction, or rather lack there of

So even if you think you will live in California, or you feel like the “Accreditation Conglomerate” is stomping on your dream of going to an online law school, you must consider that the interaction with your peers, in an environment that’s more tangible than not, is something to consider as a factor.

For example, if you want to practice public law (ie. defense attorney or prosecuting attorney) you should consider studying at a brick-and-mortar college or university. It is my opinion that at this moment the e-learning platform is not on par with the “real” experience benefits of mock-trails and other essential interaction you would take part in at a brick-and-mortar college or university.

3. Career Prospects, [again] or lack there of

Lets consider the current status of the U.S. economy. There are already countless unemployed or underemployed law school grads. Yes, these are the same people who ponied up $100,000 or [way] more to obtain a law degree from a great, ABA approved, law school. You know, the same guys and gals who will be competing with an online law school grad for that singular position at that progressive law firm located downtown. Sarcasm aside, it is a given that most law firms and reputable agencies will question the integrity of your law degree right of the bat.

Reality Check #47

Imagine… this might be one of your first questions during the interview, that’s IF you get the interview:

So, I see you went to [insert school name here] Law School?

I bet you that 9/10 times you will feel or notice a body language que or an audible give away that either sways towards acceptance or condemnation.

Before you write me off as an ego-maniac, who advocates going into enormous financial hole to obtain a law degree, I want you to consider the status quo.

And, that there are law schools with sensible tuition rates… Shop around! I didn’t want to leave that one running wild.

Love it or hate it, we live in a society where an overwhelming number of people are highly critical, highly demanding, and very much in love with the ideal of excellence. Sprinkle just 10% of that on everything we touch and do everyday and there goes your argument of a Utopia. We live in ever more desirous times. The competition is tight and employers want the crème de la crème. Need I say more.

Educational reform anyone?

I am an ardent online education proponent. Heck, I started Online College Report because I’m sick of the misinformation out there on the Web; especially from the websites aggressively promoting for-profit colleges and universities – including for-profit colleges and universities. But, I digress.

Believe me, I want an online law degree to be a reality. Perhaps in the future it will become one. However, until we have the right technology tied together with the American Bar Association (ABA), the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), the academic system, and the employers openly accepting of online law school grads, going to school online will most likely be a detriment to you.

I highly recommend you consider public or private not-for-profit colleges or universities if you are serious about law school. These can range from reputable State universities to Ivy League schools, like Harvard University. Most importantly do your homework. Consider things like rankings, graduation rates, and cost of living and tuition, amongst other things.

I wrote a few blog posts on law school and dug up a few news articles that may be helpful:

• Should I Major in Criminal Justice before Law School? – when you’re done reading the post, make sure to check out some nuggets in the comments section.
• How Long Does it Take to Get a Law Degree? – again, the comments section has some nice nuggets. But, the “Some Useful Advice… You’ll need it!” section should be quite helpful.
• US News & World Report: http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/2011/03/23/online-law-schools-have-yet-to-pass-the-bar
• GetEducated.com: http://www.geteducated.com/hot-careers/justice-law-legal-studies/273-bar-association-may-ease-online-law-school-restrictions

What are your thoughts on online law schools?

Would you consider obtaining your law degree at an online law school? Why? Or, why not? Comment below.

So, what is the best criminal justice minor?

There isn’t one. Heck, some schools don’t even offer minors at all. And… I lost you!

Top Criminal Justice Minors Revealed

So, I may not have the best CJ minor on the platter for you, but it’s for your own good. I swear. The thing is there’s no single minor that is the best. Each minor has its purpose, and in the end, should align with your interests and aspirations.

There are the popular criminal justice minors:

• Forensic Science
• Forensic Psychology
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Criminology
• Homeland Security
• Social Work

Schools bundle these minors like peanut butter and jelly and they are a lot of fun. But, for those that are a little bit more adventurous, here are lesser known criminal justice minors:

• Business
• Accounting
• Forensic Accounting
• Finance
• Economics
• Pre-law
• Information Technology (IT)
• Computer Science

Business, Accounting, Economics?!

I know some of these CJ minors may look weird at first. Trust me! Many of these minors are highly desirable in the form of a full-fledged Bachelor degree by various criminal justice agencies, including law enforcement organizations. For example, taking on a Bachelor’s degree in Business instead of a Criminal Justice degree is an option if you are looking at various criminal justice careers, like that of a police officer or a FBI Special Agent.

How to pick a criminal justice minor?

I hope that when it comes to picking your minor you already know what you can do with a criminal justice degree. You know, just so there are no surprises.

1. My first rule of thumb is to take on a minor in something that you will be passionate about; something you would enjoy studying and doing as a profession
2. My second rule of thumb is not to waste significant amount of time and money on obtaining a minor (when one is not offered during the course of your studies). Your time might better be spent on a criminal justice internship or pursuing a Master’s degree.

If a specific minor is not available, ask the department dean at your college or university if you can take one on or if you can deviate and take on a minor in something that may be perceived as unrelated (like Business or Finance as opposed to popular bundles like Forensic Science or Psychology)

Something to think about… Even though you may think that minors like Business or IT may seem unrelated to the criminal justice field, they are. One day you may be using your business knowledge to dismantle a criminal white-collar operation and another you may be retrieving data from a seized laptop to help convict a deranged killer who kept photographs of his deceased victims.

That said, be mindful that the popular criminal justice minor choices are “bundled” for a good reason. Very often, they follow the criminal justice required courses quite closely – keeping the studies on topic. And, that’s a really good thing.

Whatever minor you decide to take, use your brain cells just to make sure that is the course of study you want to take on.

What minor have you taken on while studying criminal justice?

Illinois has a few of the best Criminal Justice schools in the United States; one in a more rural setting and the other can even be called the best criminal justice school in Chicago. Illinois has one of the best university networks in the US, but only a small portion of criminal justice schools can make the best criminal justice universities list.

best criminal justice schools in Illinois

• University of Illinois – Chicago
• Western Illinois University

University of Illinois in Chicago (UIC) was rated well by US News & World Report’s Criminology program survey. UIC is the best criminal justice school in the Chicago area.

Western Illinois University (WIU) is considered to be one of the best programs in the State of Illinois. It’s also one of the biggest criminal justice programs in the country.

I’ve asked around and made a few phone calls to some of my academic and law enforcement contacts to verify the info. Both of these IL schools are well regarded in academia and the work force.

Please share your opinions or expert knowledge about the top criminal justice colleges & universities in Illinois. If you want to see how I picked these top schools please see the Best Criminal Justice Colleges & Universities page.

• Is a criminal justice degree worthless?
• Is a criminal justice degree really worthwhile?
• Is a criminal justice degree a good degree? a bad degree?
• Is a criminal justice degree a waste of time?
• Should I take a criminal justice degree in college?

I even tackled a question on whether a criminal justice degree is good for law school candidacy – and probably the most common one: is a criminal justice degree program hard or easy? But, we’re here to find out if it’s worth it.

Is a Criminal Justice Degree Worthless or Worth It?

Answer: Yes, it’s worth it!

There seems to be a perception out there that those pursuing a criminal justice degree are spending their hard earned money on a degree that’s going to be worthless. The truth is that it’s a desirable degree when coupled with a quality program at a reputable college or university.

So why all the negativity out there? Simply put, many not so reputable schools, and especially those with deep advertising budgets, are giving the industry a bad name. The drive-thru effect of graduating students ill-equipped for the real world job market leaves much to be desired.

The reality is that most popular degree programs – not only criminal justice – fall under this presumption and the advent of online learning has its many critics.

Suggestion: Aim higher. Don’t just apply to the first school you saw on TV or in your search results – look deeper for the best fit. Even if your grades sucked in high school or college, aim higher and apply to at least several schools. And probably the biggest thing of all, pick a reputable school that is properly accredited. Yes, reputable online colleges and universities, like some of the ones listed in Best Criminal Justice Schools in America are just fine.

Just like when you were a kid, when you wanted that sweet cherry or extra sprinkles on top of your ice cream, the recruiters are looking for the best and often with “a cherry on top.” Who really wants a person with a questionable academic record, a shady character, or a total slacker-like attitude working in the criminal justice system; enforcing laws and protecting people, of all things? No one.

But is it worth it financially? Will I make big $$$?

It can be fairly lucrative when used in conjunction with your education, size of the organization you want to work for, and overall time on the job. For example, in terms of law enforcement job opportunities, like those of a police officer, a Sheriff’s deputy, a detective, or a FBI Special Agent, those applying in mid to large municipal, county, state or federal agencies are often required to have a college degree at the time of application.

These mid to large-size agencies usually pay much better than smaller ones and can pay significantly for each level of education above the standard requirement. There’s a big push for four-year college grads, so, those taking an Associate’s degree, may want to think about upgrading to a Bachelor program.

Keep in mind that entry level salaries may seem low, but they are ENTRY LEVEL. After you go through your probationary period, thus increasing your seniority, your salary should go up (oftentimes significantly) and advancement opportunities should become more available (keeping in line with the law enforcement example above). Small departments, like those located in villages and townships may require as little as a high school diploma or a GED, but you get pay that is commensurate with that minimum educational requirement.

It’s not uncommon to see law enforcement officers making high five-figure salaries when performing duties at larger agencies.

I’m not done, yet. Read on… You probably want to know if it’s good or bad for your purposes.

Is a Criminal Justice Degree Good or Bad?

Answer: It’s definitely bad if you are planning on becoming a Marine Biologist, or a Chemist, or a Pre-school Teacher… Or, you know, one of those people who is taking a degree just to have one, but has no TRUE intent of working in the field the degree mostly applies to.

If you are interested in working within the criminal justice system; for example, in correctional or law enforcement fields, then you picked the right degree, but be mindful that even when a college degree is a requirement in order to apply or obtain the job, you don’t have to take criminal justice – degrees in business, accounting, and law are very desirable, too (amongst others). My rule of thumb, if a degree has substance / real world application to the criminal justice system (even if just a little), and YOU LOVE that field, then I think you should pursue what you love. It’s much easier going to work when you like what you do rather than when you despise each day you clock out.

Also, USE YOUR COMMON SENSE: if the NSA needs a computer specialist, it probably wants someone with a computer programming or information technology (IT) educational background – OR – if the State Police wants to solve crimes through bullet trajectory analysis, lift latent prints, get a definite photo or video enhancement, or DNA test materials you should probably look closer into the field of Forensic Science; where, degrees like Physics, Chemistry, Digital Photography, and Biochemistry will play a huge role.

So, besides the common sense and my wholehearted optimism, a degree in criminal justice has its limitations… It’s for those that want to pursue one of the many careers in criminal justice. I covered the possible speed bumps in my What Jobs Can I Get with a Criminal Justice Degree article. Check it out.

Last one… for all the marbles.

Is a Criminal Justice Degree a Waste of Time?

Answer: No, especially if you have aspirations to work within the criminal justice field, have a good credit history and a clean criminal record.

You may find taking a criminal justice program imprudent:

• if you have a criminal record that’s filled to the brim with domestic violence and felony convictions
• if you have DUIs that are recent or repetitive. I covered law enforcement employment and DUIs already.
• if your credit sucks (collections, judgements, bankruptcies). Still, those with recovering credit, showing significant improvement may still be considered.
• if you’re nearing the national average cut off age of 36
• if you have little interest in the field
• if you only want a desk job / office job – other degrees are more suitable
• if you don’t want to carry a fire arm

Saying that, a graduate degree in Criminal Justice or Criminology may be of some help for those interested in research and teaching opportunities; where restrictions on age, work environment and lethal accessories are a non-issue. Remember, that even if you get your shiny Master’s or a PhD degree, real-world experience is often preferred as an accompaniment to your education.

Should you take criminal justice in college?

• Can cops carry guns on planes?
• Can police officers fly armed?
• Can Federal Agents carry weapons on planes?
• Can law enforcement officers carry guns on airplanes?
• Can FBI Special Agents carry guns on planes?

Ever since 9/11 the public has been made aware that on some flights a Federal Air Marshal (a.k.a. FAM) may be present and armed. But, more and more people are wondering if police officers can carry guns on planes – the same law enforcement officers that hail from Local, County, Tribal, State, and Federal agencies.

The short answer is: Yes, but there’s a “BUT”…

To get to the root of all this speculation I got in touch with a very helpful gentleman who works directly with the Law Enforcement Officers Flying Armed (LEOFA) program, under the oversight of The Office of Law Enforcement / Federal Air Marshal Service. Hopefully his input will help answer some of your questions.

Some Cool Facts About Law Enforcement Officers Flying Armed

• Most commonly, police officers carry guns on planes to facilitate prisoner transport, dignitary protection and other official police business.
• There are 90+ Federal Law Enforcement Agencies flying armed at one point or another.
• On average, 38,500 law enforcement officers are flying armed per month through approximately 450 federalized airports.
• When you first look at this number, you sense that it is an awful lot. In reality, there are over 850,000 law enforcement officers in over 18,000 departments, including Federal, Military, State, County, Local, Territorial, Tribal, and authorized Railroad LEOs – when you do the math, only about 4.53% of all law enforcement officers fly armed.
• Of those flying armed, approximately
• 70% are Federal law enforcement officers
• 30% are State, Local, Territorial, Tribal and Railroad law enforcement officers

* These statistics are only kept for flights to which screening is mandated (per 49 CFR 1544.219). If an officer is flying armed on a general aviation aircraft they would not be tracked (like the USM ConAir flights).

Law Enforcement Officers Flying Armed Program in a Nutshell

The Office of Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service maintains oversight of the Law Enforcement Officers flying armed program under Title 49 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) § 1544.219 Carriage of Accessible Weapons.

To qualify to fly armed, Federal Regulation states that an officer must meet the following basic requirements:

• Be a Federal Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) or a full-time municipal, county, or state LEO who is a direct employee of a government agency.
• Be sworn and commissioned to enforce criminal statutes or immigration statutes.
• Be authorized by the employing agency to have the weapon in connection with assigned duties.
• Have completed the training program, ‘‘Law Enforcement Officers Flying Armed.”

In addition to the above requirements, the officer must need to have the weapon accessible from the time he or she would otherwise check the weapon until the time it would be claimed after deplaning. The need to have the weapon accessible must be determined by the employing agency, department, or service and be based on one of the following:

• The provision of protective duty, for instance, assigned to a principal or advance team, or on travel required to be prepared to engage in a protective function.
• The conduct of a hazardous surveillance operation.
• On official travel required to report to another location, armed and prepared for duty.
• Employed as a Federal LEO, whether or not on official travel, and armed in accordance with an agency-wide policy governing that type of travel established by the employing agency by directive or policy statement.
• Control of a prisoner, in accordance with Title 49 CFR § 1544.221, or an armed LEO on a round trip ticket returning from escorting, or traveling to pick up a prisoner.

State, Local, Territorial, Tribal, and approved Railroad LEOs flying armed must submit a National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) message prior to travel. The NLETS message replaces the Original Letter of Authority, commonly referred to as the “Chief’s Letter.” Failure to use the NLETS message will result in denial to the sterile area for failure to comply with the “Letter of Authority.” More information on this procedure is contained in the training program.

The Law Enforcement Officers Flying Armed training is a 1.5 to 2 hour block of instruction that is comprised of a structured lesson plan, slide presentation, FAQs, NLETS procedures, and applicable codes of federal regulation. This material is provided to Federal, State, Local, Territorial, Tribal, and approved Railroad Law Enforcement agencies and departments to properly instruct their officers on the subject of flying on board commercial aircraft while armed. The training includes protocols in the handling of prohibited items, prisoner transport, and dealing with an act of criminal violence aboard an aircraft.

Transporting Guns on Planes Resources:

Law Enforcement Officers Flying Armed (LEOFA) Program: http://www.tsa.gov/lawenforcement/programs/traveling_with_guns.shtm

TSA’s Traveling with Special Items, Firearms and Ammunition Guide: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm

New York has some of the best colleges and universities in the US, and it definitely has its share of best criminal justice schools in America. Even though these schools are representing the State of New York, you will be pleased to know there is a treat for those looking for the best criminal justice school in New York City, too.

Best Criminal Justice Schools in New York

• John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY)
• University of Albany (SUNY)

It can be debated that NYC has the best criminal justice college on the planet: John Jay College of Criminal Justice, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system of schools. But, don’t forget one of the strongest criminal justice schools in the country: University of Albany, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system.

Both John Jay College of Criminal Justice and SUNY Albany rank consistently well in publications such as US News & World Report.

Just so you know, these New York schools are well regarded in academia and the work force.

Share your opinions about the top criminal justice schools in New York. See how I picked these top schools at the Best Criminal Justice Schools and Colleges page.

Besides the top criminal justice schools, Pennsylvania has some of the best colleges and universities in the country. It was quite easy to find the top criminal justice colleges and universities in PA, so check them out.

Best Criminal Justice Schools in PA

• Pennsylvania State University
• Temple University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Villanova University

All four schools are well regarded and share top ranks and accolades in many national and international publications.

Penn State, Temple University and University of PA are ranked as some of the best criminal justice / criminology schools in the US. Oh… and University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League School — just like Harvard, Yale, Brown, Cornell, Columbia, Dartmouth, and Princeton).

Share your opinions about the top criminal justice schools in Pennsylvania. If you want to see how I picked these top schools please go back to Best Criminal Justice Schools and Colleges page.